A winter storm has clamped down on many parts of Southern California, with the National Weather Service issuing a flood watch and wind advisory warnings for Irvine and Silverado Canyon on Wednesday, Jan. 4. 

California Governor Gavin Newsom also addressed the inclement weather by issuing a state of emergency on Wednesday, which authorized the mobilization of the state’s National Guard in disaster relief response.

“California is mobilizing to keep people safe from the impacts of the incoming storm,” Newsom said. “This state of emergency will allow the state to respond quickly as the storm develops and support local officials in their ongoing response.”

A report from the National Weather Service in San Diego forecasted this winter storm could bring heavy rain episodes moving into Wednesday evening. By Thursday, Irvine could see wind gusts up to 35 mph. 

“Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 62. Southeast wind 15 to 20 mph becoming southwest 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.”

In terms of incoming weather, the National Weather Service estimated that Silverado Canyon could receive between a quarter to an inch of rain on Wednesday night. Into Thursday, forecasters estimate Silverado Canyon could see a possibility of thunderstorms, with one to two inches of rain. 

“Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 54. Windy, with a south wind 25 to 30 mph becoming southwest 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible,” according to the NWS forecast report. 

Due to the incoming rain, the NWS also issued a flood watch for San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys, and several cities surrounding Orange County including, Fontana, Big Bear Lake, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Corona, Santa Ana, Rancho Cucamonga, Fullerton, and Huntington Beach. 

“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the flood watch read.  

In March 2021, a mudslide covered half a mile of road in Silverado Canyon after heavy rainfall. 

In terms of the regionality, OC Public Works said the mudflow was east of the Silverado Canyon Post Office, but considering Silverado Canyon is a one-way road, it became inaccessible to the residents that live in the area. Adding to the challenge, the mudslide covered cars – making it even more difficult for residents to leave.

This early January storm is also expected to bring high winds. 

The NWS issued a wind advisory for many parts of Orange County, at approximately 1:50 p.m. on Jan. 4, the advisory will be in effect between 2 a.m. and 12 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5.  

“Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” according to the advisory.

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